Description

Description: This original part-printed receipt of interest paid is made out to the illustrious portraitist Godfrey Kneller for a loan of 300 hundred pounds to His Majesty’s Exchequer. The receipt is signed by Kneller in the right margin.  

The document, dated 10th March 1699, indicates “Godfrey Kneller assignees of Edward Russell Esq” to have received “Thirty five pounds fifteen shillings of interest for a year and nine months for 300 pounds which was due the 23 Day of February 1696…” It states in part: “…lent unto His Majesty…upon an Act of Parliament… for Continuing to His Majesty certain Duties upon Salt, Glass Wares, Stone and Earthen Wares… for carrying on the War against France…”

Document is matted with a 19th c. engraved portrait of Kneller.  Item #A01770

Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723) was a German-British portraitist and court painter, first to Charles II and then to George I. Some of his notable subjects included Sir Isaac Newton, John Locke, Louis XIV, and he produced a series of “Kit-Cat portraits” of leading politicians and men of letters. He was also commissioned by William III to paint the 8 “Hampton Court Beauties” (1691-1700). He was knighted by William III and received an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Oxford University.

Condition:  Fold lines, scattered foxing, the mat is adhered to the backing, though the document does not appear to be glued down. Generally good condition.